Drinks During Your Egypt Trip: Guide to Safety, Juices, Tea, and Alcohol

The Refreshing Core: Non-Alcoholic Traditional Drinks

Exploring Drinks During Egypt Trip means diving into a world of incredible flavors and textures. The hot climate has inspired a delicious array of non-alcoholic beverages, often based on fruits, spices, and herbs. You can find most of these local Egyptian drinks in the local coffee shops and restaurants.

The King of the Street: Sugarcane Juice (Asab)

People prefer sugarcane juice (Asab) over fruit juice because it costs less. Asab remains a deeply traditional and incredibly popular street drink. Vendors crush the cane and serve it as a milky green drink. It offers intense sweetness and immediate energy. Consequently, you will find juice kiosks on almost every busy street. Be aware that the cost of fresh juice averages 50 L.E. locally but can reach 100 to 200 L.E. in tourist areas.

The Pharaoh’s Drink: Karkadeh (Hibiscus)

Karkade is a distinctive Egyptian beverage. Vendors produce this drink from the boiled, dried leaves of the hibiscus plant and sweeten it to taste. It can be served hot or cold. When served cold (Karkadeh Bard), it provides immediate refreshment in the heat. It costs around 40 L.E. locally, rising to 70 to 120 L.E. for tourists. Ancient Egyptians also valued Karkadeh for its perceived medicinal properties.

Essential Summer Coolers: Fresh Fruit Juices and Limoon

Juice kiosks are prevalent across Egypt. They provide drinks ranging from pomegranate or orange to guava or mango. These fresh fruit juices offer vitamins and intense flavor. Limoon stands out as a delicious summer cocktail. Vendors make this drink with squeezed lemon juice, water, and sugar, served over ice. It acts as an instant relief from the sun. In addition, seeking out fresh fruit juices allows travelers to sample the rich local produce.

The Winter Warmers: Sahlab, Kerfa, and Hummus Sham

When temperatures drop in the evening, Egyptians turn to hot, comforting drinks.

• Sahlab: This hot drink uses the starch from an orchid’s pulverized bulb, combined with milk, sugar, and rosewater. Vendors serve it with chopped pistachios and cinnamon. It offers a thick, creamy texture and powerful warmth.
• Kerfa: People consume ground cinnamon as a tea, sometimes adding milk. It provides aromatic warmth and comfort.
• Homs Al-Sham (Hummus Sham): This stands as one of the most significant winter rituals. It is a vital hot drink since it is high in protein and helps regulate blood sugar. It consists of spicy, cooked chickpeas served in a warm broth.

Traditional Drinks of Celebration and Custom

Some drinks hold special cultural significance, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, though you can often find them year-round.

• Qamar al-Din: Vendors make this drink from slices of Qamar al-Din (apricots), sugar, and flower water. Producers select the highest-quality apricots to create it. They serve it chilled. It remains a characteristic drink during Ramadan.
• Egyptian Sobia Drink: You can typically find this traditional drink during Ramadan, but it is also available year-round. It resembles milk and has a unique flavor that many Egyptians enjoy.
• Yansoon: Yansun is an aniseed-flavored drink. It is not only delicious but also beneficial for colds and throat difficulties.
• Khoshaf: This traditional Ramadan drink consists primarily of dry brown dates, apricots, coconuts, dried figs, and raisins.
• Helba: Vendors prepare Helba as a yellowish drink made from fenugreek.
• Belila: Belila consists of wheat and heated milk, acting as a hearty, warming beverage.

In summary, the variety of non-alcoholic drinks provides a deep look into Egyptian culinary tradition, offering everything from cooling summer treats to nourishing winter staples.